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An 18-year-old is at the center of a chilling murder case in Missouri, where he stands accused of aiding in the orchestration of a deadly trap that claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy. This unsettling incident has left the community in shock, as the young victim reportedly pleaded for his life during the ambush.
Yefry Archaga, identified as one of the key suspects, faces charges of first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the tragic events of March 12, which led to the death of Miles Young in Greene County. The gravity of the charges has resulted in Archaga being held without bail, compounded by an immigration detainer that marks a federal hold on his custody status.
Adding to the complexity of the case, another individual, Praize King, also 18, has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. These charges underscore the severity of the crime and the legal proceedings that are anticipated to unfold.
Archaga’s involvement in such a heinous act has not only drawn attention to the murder itself but also to the broader implications involving immigration enforcement. The intersection of local crimes and federal immigration policies continues to be a point of discussion amid this tragic incident.
Yefry Archaga, 18, is accused in the ambush killing of a Missouri teenager and is being held on an ICE detainer. (Greene County Jail)
According to court documents obtained by the Springfield Daily Citizen, the attack was premeditated.
Prosecutors allege Archaga “planned and set up a 15-year-old boy to be murdered,” luring Young into what he believed was a meetup before ambushing him. Investigators say the victim believed he was meeting a girl, but instead walked into a coordinated setup involving multiple individuals.
Investigators say a juvenile suspect picked up Young after leading him to believe he was meeting a girl, despite warnings that it could be a setup.
Praize King, 18, is charged in connection with the killing of 15-year-old Miles Young in Missouri. (Greene County Jail)
Court documents obtained by KY3 describe how the group had been driving around Springfield discussing the plan before stopping to retrieve a second vehicle. They then allegedly used two cars, including a black Mercedes, to track Young’s location and carry out the ambush.
When the vehicle stopped, Young ran.
A witness told investigators Archaga, allegedly wearing a black ski mask and armed with a “Glock-style” handgun, chased the teen on foot.
Miles Young, 15, pictured with family members before his death in a Missouri ambush killing. (GoFundMe)
“Defendant ambushed victim, chased victim on foot, and shot victim as victim was stating he wanted to live,” the probable cause statement says, according to the Springfield Daily Citizen.
Another witness reported hearing Young fall and cry out, “I just don’t wanna die,” followed by gunshots.
Young was struck in the chest and later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Witnesses told investigators they believed Young had been targeted, possibly tied to a prior dispute. He was expected to testify in a 2025 homicide case, according to the documents obtained by the Springfield Daily Citizen.
Authorities allege Archaga fled after the shooting and was arrested March 31 in Webb City following a two-week search. He is scheduled to appear in court April 13.
At least one additional suspect, believed to be a juvenile, has not been publicly identified.
The killing has left Young’s family and community devastated.
Miles Young, 15, with family members in a photo shared after his death. (GoFundMe)
“Miles was a compassionate, loving, and kind 15-year-old who brought light to everyone around him,” his family wrote on a fundraising page. “He was a big brother, a son, a grandson, and a friend… full of life and always showed care for others.”
“No parent should ever have to outlive and bury their child,” the statement reads.
As the family mourns, they say they are leaning on community support while detectives continue working to bring justice in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Fox News Digital reached out to ICE and the U.S. Marshals for comment but did not immediately receive a response.